PORTLAND, Ore. – Xavier Cannefax poured in a career high 35 points to lead Warner Pacific past Vancouver Island University 87-66 today in the season opener for the host Knights.
 
Cannefax hit 14 of his 17 shot attempts, including two of three from the three-point line. Three straight baskets from Cannefax spurred a 12-0 run that turned a 14-14 tie game into a 26-14 lead for WPC that held up for the rest of the game.
 
WPC built a 47-31 halftime lead thanks to 50 percent shooting, while holding VIU to just 31 percent.
 
The visiting Mariners put forth a much better second half effort behind 22 points from Usama Zaid, who finished with 29 for the game. The game was an exhibition for VIU.

Collin Malcolm added 20 points and 11 rebounds for WP, and De'Jon Bowman contributed a double-double (10 points, 11 rebounds).